- MT Planners and +VG Architects selected for detailed design of new four-acre Children’s Garden
- Vibrant and inclusive space where children of all ages and abilities can safely explore, climb, wander, play and connect to nature
- Construction to begin this fall at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens
Niagara Falls, ON – Niagara Parks, in collaboration with the Niagara Parks Foundation, is proud to announce that MT Planners and +VG Architects have been selected as the design firms responsible for the construction-ready detailed design for the new four-acre, nature-based Children’s Garden to be built at the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens.
Following a rigorous and competitive procurement process, MT Planners and +VG Architects were selected as the successful proponents responsible for transforming concept plans for the 12 interactive zones of the Children’s Garden into detailed designs that will then be tendered for construction. The design concepts reimagine the Niagara River corridor through the eyes of a child, promoting physical and mental wellness among children and aiming to inspire the next generation of environmental leaders.
This is an exciting milestone for the visionary project that will encourage children of all ages and abilities to discover Niagara’s rich cultural history and the native plants and animals that live within its ecosystems through nature-based play. A joint project between Niagara Parks and the Niagara Parks Foundation, the Children’s Garden represents the next phase of growth for the Niagara Parks Botanical Gardens and School of Horticulture, which marks its 90th anniversary in 2026.
A fundraising council has been established to support the $15 million project – the first Children’s Garden of this scale in Ontario. Construction is expected to begin this fall.
To learn more, visit niagaraparksfoundation.com/childrensgarden.
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“Niagara Parks is proud to announce this exciting milestone for the Children’s Garden project, following a competitive procurement process. Both MT Planners and +VG Architects are leaders in their respective fields and we are confident they will deliver the same level of excellence on the detailed designs for the Children’s Garden, that they bring to each project they are involved with.” – Graham Coveney, Vice Chair of the Niagara Parks Commission
“Completing the detailed designs for the 12 interactive zones within the Children’s Garden will bring us significantly closer to achieving our vision to build this four-acre, interactive living classroom that will inspire children and their families to love and protect our planet today and well into the future.” – Deborah Whitehouse, Chair of the Niagara Parks Foundation
“Our decades-long relationship with Niagara Parks is founded on alignment to, and a deep respect for, its values of environmental stewardship, horticultural excellence and exceptional visitor experiences. The 12 interactive zones of the Children’s Garden will be a celebration of Niagara Parks, offering a wide range of experiences that will ignite a sense of wonder, inspire curiosity, invite play, enrich minds and nurture a connection to nature for generations to come.” – Tara McCarthy, Principal In Charge, MT Planners
“As architects, our work is rooted in creating spaces that uplift and inspire — but we believe that truly meaningful spaces do more than serve a function. They spark curiosity, they foster connection, and, perhaps most importantly, they support growth. That’s what this garden represents.” – Paul Sapounzi, Supervising Heritage Architect, +VG Architects
About MT Planners
MT Planners is an internationally renowned design firm that specializes in landscape architecture, urban design and environmental planning. The Ontario-based company brings a depth of experience in transforming and improving urban environments around the world, including a portfolio of work with the Niagara Parks Commission from the Queen Victoria Park Master Plan to the visioning and design strategy for the adaptive reuse of the Toronto Power Generating Station.
About +VG Architects
With offices in Brantford, Toronto and Ottawa, +VG Architects specialize in architectural design services for new buildings, additions, renovations and heritage restoration. +VG Architects also have extensive experience working with the Niagara Parks Commission on projects including the adaptive re-use of the Niagara Parks Power Station and the recent $22 million redevelopment of Table Rock Centre.
About the Niagara Parks Foundation
The Niagara Parks Foundation is a board-governed, registered charity that supports Niagara Parks in its stewardship work through funding projects, research and public education. As a self-supported agency of the Ontario Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Gaming, Niagara Parks relies exclusively on its own revenue streams to operate and maintain its extraordinary 56-kilometre ribbon of parkland. The Niagara Parks Foundation offers the public and corporations unique opportunities to actively contribute and support one of the world’s most beloved public spaces.
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